Graphical user interface system and method for representing and controlling surgical parameters

ABSTRACT

Graphical user interface system and method for displaying and controlling a surgical device, such as a device used in phacoemulsification procedures, are disclosed. A graphical user interface is displayed on a display screen and includes one or more representations of operating parameters, such as aspiration rate, vacuum, and power that are used to control the surgical device. A parameter is adjusted by moving a portion of a representation from a first location on the display screen to a second location on the display screen to change the operating parameter and control the surgical device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of prior application Ser.No. 11/000,216, filed Nov. 30, 2004, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to interfaces for surgical systems, and,more particularly, to graphical user interfaces for ophthalmic surgicalsystems that include representations of operating parameters that can bemoved on a display screen to adjust and control the surgical systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern day surgical systems, and in particular, modern day ophthalmicsurgical systems are designed to monitor and display multiple parametersof a surgical device or instrument that is connected to the surgicalsystem and controlled by the surgeon. Such systems can be complex giventhe multiple parameters that must be displayed and controlled by asurgeon. A typical ophthalmic surgical system can provide severaldifferent functions, such as illumination, phacoemulsification,irrigation and aspiration, vitrectomy and micro-scissor cutting, amongothers, and provide capabilities for interior and/or posterior segmentsurgery.

Certain known phacoemulsification systems allow for application of fixedultrasound power, i.e., energy that is either on or off at a constantlevel. Improvements were made to these constant energy systems byallowing phacoemulsification power to be linearly controlled. In thisinstance, power is proportional to the displacement of the surgeon'sfoot pedal. In other words, more ultrasound power is provided inaccordance with the linear or proportional control as the surgeondepresses the foot pedal.

Other known phacoemulsification systems use other modes of ultrasoundpower, such as pulse mode, in which phacoemulsification power isprovided in periodic pulses of a constant duty cycle, but with amplitudeincreasing or being fixed with foot pedal displacement. Other knownsystems use a burst mode, in which power is provided at a constantamplitude, but with intervals of power reducing with foot pedaldisplacement.

Examples of known user interfaces for displaying and controllingoperating parameters of a surgical device are shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.Known interfaces typically include several types of human actionablecontrollers or fields that occupy pre-defined and fixed positions on adisplay screen. The interface is manipulated by a surgeon to providecontrol signals to the surgical instruments which, in turn, control themode and amount of power provided to a handpiece for deliveringultrasound power. More particularly, known control consoles typicallyinclude interfaces that have push buttons, arrows, switches, bars and/orknobs for setting desired numeric values of operating characteristicsfor the surgical system. Whether the parameter is constant or varieslinearly can be represented by a horizontal line and a line at an angle,respectively.

For example, as shown in FIG. 22, a surgeon manually selects the powermode to be continuous from the selection bar 10, and then manuallyselects the maximum amount of continuous power 12 that should beprovided. In this instance, the maximum continuous power is 40% of themaximum power or power limit. This selection is performed by pressingthe up/down arrows 11. In this example, continuous power 12 varieslinearly. Pressing on the field switches between linear and continuous(fixed) control of the value. The surgeon also manually selects aconstant vacuum of 80 mm Hg 14 and a constant aspiration rate of 23cc/min 16 using up/down arrows 11. The instantaneous values of theultrasound power, vacuum and aspiration rate are shown in fields 20, 22and 24. The system is then controlled by a foot pedal controller toremotely control the surgical instruments based on the selectedparameters.

As a further example, shown in FIG. 23, a surgeon manually selects usingthe power mode to be a linear pulse mode, rather than a linearcontinuous mode, and manually selects the power limit of 70%, eightpulses per second (pps) 30 and that the pulses should be on 20% of thetime 32. The surgeon also manually selects the vacuum limit 14 tolinearly increase up to 300 mm Hg and the aspiration 16 to be constantat 45 cc/min. These adjustments are made in a similar manner aspreviously discussed by touching the up/down arrows 11 to increase ordecrease the parameter value.

While known interfaces have been used to perform successful proceduresin the past, they can be improved. Particularly, the visual andfunctional aspects of interfaces can be enhanced so that therepresentation and control of additional parameters and power modes donot result in unnecessarily complicated interfaces, thus providinguseful interfaces that are visually organized and comprehensible.Interfaces should also be capable of effectively representing variousoperating parameters of various ultrasound driving modes, includingcontinuous, linear, pulse, burst, and combinations or modificationsthereof. Improvements can be equally applicable to other non-ultrasoundsurgical modalities, for example irrigation, aspiration, coagulationusing high-frequency currents to coagulate tissue to stop bleeding,vitrectomy, a mode using guillotine mechanical cutter that uses a highspeed miniature jet of warmed irrigation solution, and others. Further,it should be easier for a surgeon to manipulate the interface and exertproper control over the surgical devices during a surgical procedure,thereby enhancing the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, an interface for displaying parametersrelated to the operation of a surgical device on a display screen andcontrolling the parameters includes a graphical user interface thatincludes representations of the parameters. A surgeon can adjust theparameters by moving at least a portion of a representation of aparameter from a first location on the display screen to a secondlocation on the display screen in order to control the operation of thesurgical device.

In an alternative embodiment, a system for displaying parameters relatedto the operation of a surgical device on a display screen andcontrolling the parameters includes a display screen and a graphicaluser interface that includes representations of parameters that arerelated to the operation of the surgical device. The graphical userinterface also includes a representation of stages of thephacoemulsification procedure. The representations of operatingparameters are shown in the display screen relative to therepresentations of the stages of the phacoemulsification procedure.

According to a further alternative embodiment, an interface fordisplaying on a display screen and controlling a parameter related tothe operation of a surgical device includes a graphical user interfacethat includes a representation of the operating parameter. A surgeon canadjust the parameter by moving at least a portion of the parameterrepresentation between different locations on the display screen inorder to control the manner in which the surgical device operates.

A further alternative embodiment is directed to a method of displayingand controlling operating parameters of a surgical device. Initially, arepresentation of a parameter related to the operation of the surgicaldevice is generated and displayed on the display screen. Therepresentation includes first and second ends, which represent minimumand maximum parameter values, respectively. A surgeon contacts an end ofthe representation and moves the contacted end from a first location toa different location on the display screen in order to control a valueof the parameter.

In various embodiments, one or more representations can be linear andinclude first and second ends that represent respective minimum andmaximum values of the parameter and fields that indicate the value ofthe parameter. The one or more representations can be displayed orprogrammed with different functions, such as a linear, logarithmic,exponential or polynomial function. The minimum value can be selected tobe zero or an intermediate value, and the maximum value can be adjustedas necessary, thus providing more flexibility and control over operatingparameters, and providing the ability to select and adjust the system sothat power in continuous, linear, pulsed and burst modes can beutilized.

Further, the graphical user interface can be represented on the displayscreen with a representation of stages of a surgical procedure, such asan ophthalmic surgical procedure, which are represented as verticaldividers. A stage of the procedure is defined between two dividers, andcan identify the beginning or end of a particular stage of theprocedure, such as irrigation, aspiration and ultrasound power. Theparameter representation can be adjusted by moving an end of theparameter representation along a vertical divider. The graphical userinterface can also include a representation of a control member, such asa foot pedal, that is used to operate the surgical device. The parameterrepresentation can also be displayed relative to the control memberrepresentation, and the control member representation can be moved toindicate the stage of the procedure and corresponding operatingparameters that are invoked by displacement of the control member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of embodiments and the advantages thereofmay be acquired by referring to the following description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like referencenumbers indicate like features and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a graphical user interface according to oneembodiment that includes representations of parameters that are selectedto provide continuous ultrasound power that varies linearly;

FIG. 2 illustrates a graphical user interface according to oneembodiment that includes representations of parameters that are selectedto provide pulsed ultrasound power that varies linearly;

FIG. 3 illustrates a graphical user interface according to oneembodiment that includes representations of parameters that are selectedto provide pulsed ultrasound power and illustrates one manner in whichvalues of parameter representations can be adjusted;

FIG. 4 further illustrates how the values of parameter representationscan be adjusted;

FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical user interface and how overlappingrepresentations of parameters can be displayed by switching betweendisplayed representations;

FIG. 6 further illustrates how overlapping representations of parameterscan be displayed;

FIG. 7 illustrates a graphical user interface that includes arepresentation of vacuum that continuously increases throughout multiplefoot pedal positions or stages;

FIG. 8 illustrates a graphical user interface according to anotherembodiment that includes representations of parameters that are selectedto provide continuous ultrasound power that varies linearly;

FIG. 9 illustrates a graphical user interface according to anotherembodiment that includes parameter representations that are selected toprovide pulsed ultrasound power that varies linearly;

FIG. 10 illustrates a graphical user interface according to a furtherembodiment that includes representations that are selected to provideburst ultrasound power that varies linearly;

FIG. 11 illustrates a graphical user interface according to furtherembodiment that includes parameter representations that are set toprovide modified burst ultrasound power;

FIG. 12 illustrates representations of surgical device parametersrelative to an initial position of a representation of a foot pedal andthe corresponding current values of the parameters invoked by the footpedal position;

FIG. 13 illustrates representations of surgical device parametersrelative to a representation of a foot pedal positioned in a first stageor range of positions, and the corresponding current values of theparameters invoked by the foot pedal position;

FIG. 14 illustrates representations of surgical device parametersrelative to a representation of a foot pedal positioned within a secondstage or range of positions and the corresponding current values of theparameters invoked by the foot pedal position;

FIG. 15 illustrates representations of surgical device parametersrelative to a representation of a foot pedal positioned further within asecond stage or range of positions and the corresponding current valuesof the parameters invoked by the foot pedal position;

FIG. 16 illustrates representations of surgical device parametersrelative to a representation of a foot pedal positioned within a thirdstage or range of positions and the corresponding current values of theparameters invoked by the foot pedal position;

FIG. 17 illustrates representations of surgical device parametersrelative to a representation of a foot pedal positioned further within athird stage or range of positions and the corresponding current valuesof the parameters invoked by the foot pedal position;

FIG. 18 illustrates representations of surgical device parametersrelative to a representation of a foot pedal positioned at the end of athird stage or range of positions and the corresponding current valuesof the parameters invoked the foot pedal position;

FIG. 19 illustrates another surgical interface embodiment that includesrepresentations of parameters that are selected to provide pulsedultrasound power that varies linearly;

FIG. 20 illustrates an interface having representations of aspirationrate and vacuum that both increase linearly;

FIG. 21 illustrates an interface having representations of cutting rate,aspiration rate and vacuum for use with a guillotine cutter;

FIG. 22 illustrates a known graphical user interface that includes fixedfields and adjustment arrows to change parameter values for continuousultrasound power; and

FIG. 23 illustrates another known graphical user interface withadjustment arrows and the interface parameters being set for pulsedultrasound power.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings, that form a part hereof, and that show by way of illustrationspecific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. Itis to be understood that changes may be made without departing from thescope of the embodiments.

Embodiments are directed to a graphical user interface that is presentedon a display screen and that provides representations of parametersrelated to the operation of a surgical device that is used in, forexample, phacoemulsification procedures. Persons skilled in the art willappreciate that embodiments can be utilized with various other surgicalprocedures including, but not limited to, neurosurgery, where control ofvarious instruments is also performed with a remote foot pedal. Forpurposes of explanation, not limitation, this specification describesembodiments related to phacoemulsification procedures and theirassociated operating parameters.

Embodiments provide a system and method for displaying and controllingoperation parameters of a phacoemulsification surgical device. Exemplaryparameters include aspiration flow rate, vacuum limit pressure andvarious power level parameters, such as minimum and maximum power(expressed as a % of maximum power), on time and off time. One or morerepresentations of parameters are displayed on a display screen, such asa computer monitor or a screen of an integrated device or controller(generally, “display screen”), using a graphical user interface(generally “interface”). The surgeon controls the surgical device usinga controller, such as a foot pedal or foot switch, which controls theoperation of the surgical devices according to the correspondingoperating parameters and parameter values represented on the displayscreen during different stages of a surgical procedure. The graphicrepresentations can be easily and quickly programmed, monitored andmanipulated by a surgeon. The representations can be adjusted tocustomize control over the operation of surgical devices and to providespecific operating parameter values or ranges of values during differentstages of the procedure based on, for example, depression of the footpedal. More particularly, the value and/or function of the parameterscan change as the foot pedal is pressed to different levels, thusinvoking a programmed set of operating parameters and values that appearon the display screen, relative to a particular controller position tocontrol the surgical device. Embodiments provide these enhancementswithout the visual and functional complexities that would otherwise beassociated with adding such capabilities to known interfaces.

FIGS. 1-11 illustrate graphical user interfaces and various settings ofrepresentations of operating parameters that can be programmed and usedto control a surgical device. FIGS. 12-18 illustrate how controlparameter settings that are represented on a display screen can beselected to control a surgical device based on a position of acontroller, such as a foot pedal or switch (generally, “foot pedal”),which is depressed and released by a surgeon, thus controlling the stageof a procedure and invoking different control parameters and values.

FIG. 1 shows a screen shot of a graphical user interface 100 accordingto one embodiment that appears on a display screen 101. In oneembodiment, the interface 100 is divided into two sections, a topsection 102 and a bottom section 104. The top section 102 includesrepresentations of power parameters, and the bottom section 104 includesrepresentations of vacuum limit and aspiration rate, however, theinformation in the top and bottom sections 102 and 104 can be modifiedor switched as necessary. Further, the interface 100 may be verticallydivided rather than being horizontally divided, or divided into morethan two sections, or not divided at all.

The interface 100 includes representations of various operatingparameters and a representation of a position of a controller, relativeto stages of a surgical procedure that are invoked by pressing the footpedal to different levels. The foot pedal representation 110 is shown asa vertical bar that is moveable along a horizontal scale 112 as the footpedal is pressed and released by the surgeon.

For purposes of initially describing and illustrating the arrangementsand adjustments to representations of surgical device parameters, FIGS.1-11 show the foot pedal representation as being stationary, however,persons skilled in the art will appreciate that as the foot pedal ispressed to different positions, the foot pedal representation moves, anddifferent operating parameters and values of operating parameters areinvoked to control the surgical device. Pressing and releasing the footpedal to different levels horizontally displaces the controllerrepresentation 110 along the scale 112 to apply various parameter valuesthat are displayed on the interface relative to the foot pedal position.This specification refers to the foot pedal and foot pedalrepresentation 110 occupying different positions or ranges of positions,which trigger surgical parameters depending, as controlled by the firstpedal position actions. Various stages of surgical procedures correspondto various sets of the parameters. These sets of parameters can beaccessed by pressing corresponding icons in the low row on the screen.FIG. 1-11 shows a set of parameters corresponding to the surgical stepnamed “Pre-Phaco”. Other surgical steps, for example Chop or Cortex,will generally have a different set of parameters associated with them.Some surgical steps may contain ultrasound parameters along with thefluidics parameters, flow and vacuum limit, while other steps willcontain only fluidics parameters, yet other steps will not containultrasound or fluidics parameters. An example of the latter would beCoagulation surgical step (not show), which will only containCoagulation power parameter. The manner in which the foot pedalrepresentation moves according to foot pedal displacement will bereadily understood with reference to FIGS. 12-18.

Referring to FIG. 1, vertical dividers or boundary lines 113-115 extendupwardly from the scale 112, marking the beginning and/or end of a stageof a surgical procedure. The controller representation 110 and boundarylines 113-115 are shown as vertical lines, but may be other shapes andsizes as necessary. In one embodiment of a phacoemulsification surgicalsystem, there are four distinct ranges, positions or stages of footpedal displacement: 0, 1, 2, and 3. The FIGUREs identify positions,ranges or stages 1-3 before and/or between respective boundary lines113-115. When a foot pedal is depressed so that it falls within aparticular range, the surgical device operates in accordance with theoperating parameters and parameter values that are programmed for theparticular stage, as reflected on the display screen.

During the initial stage, the foot pedal representation 110 ispositioned to the far left and the surgical device is inactive. The footpedal is depressed so that the foot pedal representation 110 moves fromits home position or position 0 to position 1, which is marked byboundary line 113. During Stage 1, irrigation fluid is supplied to thesurgical site in accordance with the value (cm H₂0) in the irrigationfield 120, which can be adjusted using known up/down arrows 122. Asource of irrigation can be an elevated bottle or a bag that includesBalanced Salt Solution (BSS) or saline. BSS is delivered to the site byopening a valve allowing the BSS to flow toward the surgical site.

The foot pedal is depressed further so that the foot pedalrepresentation 110 moves from position 1 to position 2 (between boundarylines 113 and 114) in order to initiate aspiration by activating aperistaltic pump. Thus, in this embodiment, irrigation is initiatedinitially, followed by aspiration. Parameters of the peristaltic pumpthat can be displayed and controlled include the rotation speed of thepump, which is closely related to the aspiration flow rate, and themaximum vacuum drawn by the pump, current values of which are shown infields 130 and 131. The current or instantaneous value of vacuum canrange from 0 mm Hg to the maximum value mm Hg. When using a peristalticpump, a vacuum sensor at the pump measures the vacuum and compares thecurrent vacuum level to the vacuum limit. As long as the current vacuumis lower than the vacuum limit, the pump turns at the commanded speed togenerate the requested flow. When the current vacuum begins to approachthe vacuum limit, the speed of the pump is reduced which, in turn,reduces the flow so that the vacuum does not exceed the vacuum limit.

The foot pedal is depressed further so that the foot pedalrepresentation 110 moves from position 2 to position 3, therebyinitiating ultrasound power, after to irrigation and aspiration havecommenced. The surgeon manipulates the surgical device so thatultrasound power is delivered to the surgical site. Ultrasound powerparameters that can be controlled include the voltage that is providedto the ultrasound handpiece (commonly referred to as ultrasound power),the duration that ultrasound power is activated or the “on time”, andthe duration that the ultrasound power is de-activated or the “offtime”. Current values of these power parameters are shown in fields132-134.

Releasing or raising the foot pedal results in the opposite sequencedeactivating ultrasound power, deactivating aspiration, and thendeactivating irrigation. The surgeon can activate or de-activate variousoperating parameters and adjust the parameters as needed during thesurgical procedure by periodically or randomly pressing and releasingthe foot pedal.

Operating parameters of the surgical device during these stages of thesurgical procedure, as controlled by the foot pedal, are dictated byparameter information that is programmed and represented in thegraphical user interface 100. More particularly, operating parametersand their minimum and maximum values during each stage of the procedureare displayed on the graphical user interface, extending between theboundary 113-115 lines marking the beginning and/or end of each stage.The amount of irrigation, aspiration and power, and the function ofthese parameters, can vary with different system configurations andprocedures and change as the foot pedal is depressed and released, ifthe parameters are so programmed.

In the illustrated embodiments, the irrigation flow rate is fixed, asshown in field 120. The manner in which other operating parameters, suchas aspiration rate, vacuum level, and ultrasound power, are displayedand adjusted is described below in further detail. Persons skilled inthe art will appreciate that the same representation and adjustmenttechniques can also be applied to irrigation. Persons skilled in the artwill appreciate that these or other parameters may be used during otherstages of other surgical procedures. Further, although thisspecification describes irrigation, aspiration, vacuum and powerparameters, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that othersurgical procedures and other phacoemulsification systems may involveother parameters and, therefore, the exemplary parameters are describedin the context of a phacoemulsification procedure, and are not intendedto be limiting.

More particularly, as shown in FIG. 1, the interface 100 includesrepresentations of aspiration rate, maximum vacuum level and variouspower parameters. In the illustrated embodiment, the representation ofan operating parameter is a linear representation 140 having two ends141-142 that terminate at vertical boundary lines. A first or left end141 represents a minimum value of the parameter, and a second or rightend 142 represents a maximum value of the parameter. The ends 141 and142 can be different values or the same values if the parameter isconstant. A line 143 is shown connecting the ends 141 and 142, thuscompleting the representation of an operating parameter.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a representation 150 ofaspiration rate extends between boundary lines 113 and 114, as well as114 and 115, since aspiration is provided during stages 2 and 3, but notstage 1. Similarly, a representation 152 of maximum vacuum pressure 152also extends between boundary lines 113 and 114, as well as 114 and 115.Power representations include representations of on time, off time and apower function, shown as 155, 156 and 157, respectively. Ends 153 and154 of a power representation terminate at boundary lines 114 and 115,thus indicating the minimum and maximum value of the power parameter.

The ends of representations include fields or boxes, which indicate theminimum and maximum parameter values at the boundary lines at thebeginning and/or end of a stage. For example, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, at the beginning of stage 2 at boundary line 114, the maximumvalue of the vacuum, 80 mm Hg, is indicated in field 160, and the valueof the rate of aspiration is 23 cc/min is indicated in field 161.Similar fields are provided to indicate the minimum and maximum value ofpower parameters.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the power parametervalues are selected to provide continuous power, since the off timerepresentation 156 extends between two “0” values. In other words, thepower is off for “0” time, i.e., power is on all of the time and is,therefore, continuous. In this continuous power example, the on timerepresentation 155 is constant or fixed at 35 ms. Since the power iscontinuous, any non-zero “on time” value can be used. Thus, otherselections besides 35 ms can be used. The power function representation157 indicates that continuous ultrasound power increases linearlybetween a minimum value of 0% and 40% of the maximum available power, asthe foot pedal is moved through the third stage. In other words, thecontinuous power increases as the foot pedal is depressed further intothe third stage, up to a maximum of 40% of available power.

In addition to these aspiration, vacuum and power representations, thereare also separate fields or boxes that indicate instantaneous power 132,on time 133, off time 134, vacuum 131, and aspiration rate 130 at aparticular foot pedal position. All of these fields are shown as “0”since, for purposes of describing the parameter representations, thefoot pedal is maintained in its home position.

Referring to FIG. 2, representations of parameters are adjusted toprovide for other parameter values, operating modes and control over thesurgical device. As shown in FIG. 1, the position of the foot pedalrepresentation remains at its initial position in order to describe andillustrate the parameter settings and adjustments. In FIG. 1, theparameter representations are configured to provide continuous powerthat varies linearly. In FIG. 2, adjustments to parameters providepulsed power that varies linearly. The ultrasound power 157 nowincreases linearly from 0% to 70%. Thus, the maximum or end value 154 ofthe power was increased from 40% to 70%. The aspiration flow rate 150was increased from 23 cc/min to 45 cc/min for stages 2 and 3, and themaximum vacuum 152, which was previously constant at 80 mm Hg, nowvaries linearly during stage 2 between 0 and 300 mmHg, and is constantduring stage 3 at 300 mm Hg.

The ultrasound “on time” 155 was reduced from 35 ms to 25 ms, and theultrasound off time 156 is now a constant 100 ms, whereas in FIG. 1, theoff time 156 was “0” (indicating that power was always on or wascontinuous). Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, for each pulse cycle of 125 ms,ultrasound is on for 25 ms, and off for 100 ms, providing 8 pulses persecond. The ratio of the ultrasound on time 155 to the total cycle timeis 25/125=0.2, or a duty cycle of 20%. The duty cycle can be adjusted byadjusting the ultrasound on time 155 and/or the off time 156.

Parameter representations and their values can be changed in variousways. An example is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 with reference to changingthe maximum vacuum level 152. In this embodiment, illustrating changingthe maximum vacuum level at the beginning of stage 2, the surgeoncontacts a first end 141 of the vacuum representation 152, e.g., bytouch, with a stylus or pencil, e.g., as used with a Personal DigitalAssistant (PDA) or other similar device to activate, select or highlightthe first end 141. The contacted end 141 is moved from a first orinitial location on the display screen 101 to a second location on thedisplay screen 101. This can be performed, for example, by dragging afinger along the display screen 101 to move the first end 141 of thevacuum representation 152. Thus, moving an end of a representation canbe similar to a similar “click and drag” function of a mouse.Alternatively, an end can be contacted, and the surgeon can lift his orher finger and contact the new location on the display screen.

In the illustrated embodiment, in which vertical boundary lines dividethe stages of a phacoemulsification procedure, the surgeon can select anend of a representation and move or drag it along the vertical boundarylines to increase or decrease the starting or end values of a parameter.For example, the surgeon can contact the first or left end 141 of thevacuum representation 152, indicating the minimum or starting value, anddrag or move the left end 141 to a new location on the vertical divider113 to change the value from “0” to a new, higher or intermediate,non-zero value.

In another embodiment, after the surgeon contacts the first end 141,thus selecting or activating the first end 141, the surgeon can use theup/down arrows 300 and 301 to change the initial value of maximum vacuum152 and move the first end 141 of the representation. In the illustratedembodiment, shown in FIG. 3, only the “up” arrow 300 is activated sincethe initial vacuum level in this example is “0” and cannot be reduced,thus disabling the down arrow 301. Of course, if the initial vacuumlevel were a non-zero level, both arrows 300 and 301 would be active toallow them to increase or decrease the maximum vacuum level. Afterpressing the up arrow 300, the surgeon selects the new maximum vacuumlevel at the beginning of stage 2 to be 300 mm Hg, as shown in FIG. 4.

In some cases, different parameter representations may overlap, thuscovering a portion or all of an end of the representation that includesa value. Overlapping may result from the parameters as originallyselected or due to re-positioning portions of a parameter. For example,referring to FIG. 5, the first end 141 or field of the vacuumrepresentation 152 (450 mm Hg) overlaps the first end or field of theaspiration rate representation 150 (45 cc/min.) The end of therepresentation that is shown above the other can be switched or toggledby clicking or touching another portion the correspondingrepresentation. Thus, referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the aspiration raterepresentation 150 is selected so that the value of 45 cc/min is visibleover the underlying 450 mm Hg vacuum value.

Referring to FIG. 7, graphical user interfaces can be configured withrepresentations that allow for a parameter to increase continuouslythroughout position 2 and also throughout position 3. In the illustratedembodiment, the maximum vacuum level 152 is represented as increasingfrom 200 mm Hg to 250 mm Hg in position 2, and increases from 250 mm Hgto 300 mmHg in position 3. The ability to provide these types ofcustomized controls can be particularly useful to provide increasedcooling as more and more ultrasound is applied. This type of control mayalso reduce the possibility of instances of excessive ultrasound powerwith insufficient irrigation and aspiration, thus causing thermal injuryto the eye tissues.

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate further embodiments and show how representationsof various surgical parameters can be adjusted to customize control ofsurgical devices. Referring to FIG. 8, the graphical user interface isconfigured in a manner that is similar to the interface shown in FIG. 1with certain differences. The interface includes representations ofaspiration rate 150, maximum vacuum level 152 and various powerparameters. At the beginning of stage 2, at boundary line 113, the valueof the vacuum is 0 mm Hg and linearly increases to 180 mm Hg, and isthen constant at 180 mm Hg through stage 3. Additionally, the aspirationlevel 150 is at 30, and the power linearly increases from 0 to 80%.

FIG. 9 illustrates a graphical user interface that includes parameterrepresentations configured to promote and control pulsed ultrasoundpower that varies linearly, similar to the interface shown in FIG. 2. Asshown in FIG. 9, the aspiration flow rate 150 is constant throughoutstages 2 and 3 at 30 cc/min, whereas in FIG. 2, the aspiration flow rateincreased from 0-300 cc/min during stage 2, and was then constant at 300c/min during stage 3. Ultrasound power 157 now increases linearly from0% to 80% during stage 3, the “on time” 155 is 20 ms, and the ultrasoundoff time 156 is now a constant 80 ms rather than 100 ms, as shown inFIG. 2. With this configuration, for each pulse cycle of 100 ms,ultrasound is on for 20 ms, and off for 80 ms, and the duty cycle is20%, as in FIG. 2, but this configuration provides 10 pulses per second,whereas the controls shown in FIG. 2 provide 8 pulses per second. Thecontrols can be adjusted, as necessary, by moving ends of the ultrasoundon time 155 and/or the ends of the ultrasound off time 156representations, as previously described.

Referring to FIG. 10, a graphical user interface is shown that includesparameter representations that provide controls for linear burstultrasound. In this arrangement, the aspiration flow rate 150 isconstant throughout stages 2 and 3 at 30 cc/min, and increases from0-180 cc/min during stage 2, and is then constant at 180 c/min duringstage 3. Ultrasound power now 157 increases linearly from 0% to 80%during stage 3. The on-time 155 is a constant 50 ms. The off time 156,however, decreases linearly from 2500 ms to 0 as the foot pedal movesthrough stage 3. The result of these control parameters is that when thefoot pedal is pushed all the way down, i.e., at the end of stage 3, theultrasound power is continuous.

FIG. 11 illustrates yet a further graphical user interface includingrepresentations of operating parameters that are configured to providemodified burst ultrasound power. In this interface, the aspiration flowrate 150 and maximum vacuum levels 152 are the same as shown in FIG. 10.The power 157 also linearly increases from 0 to 80% as shown in FIG. 10.The on-time 155, however, is fixed at 20 ms rather than 50 ms, and theoff time 156 decreases linearly from 500 ms to 80 ms through stage 3. Asa result, when the foot pedal is pushed all the way down, the power isnot continuous as the controls shown in FIG. 10 would provide. Rather,the ultrasound power is at 80% with an off time of 80 ms and an on timeof 20 ms, for a duty cycle of 20%.

FIGS. 12-18 illustrate how the parameter representations and theadjustments to the same, are used to control a surgical device as a footpedal is pressed to different positions. Beginning with FIG. 12, theinterface is similar to the interface shown in FIG. 2 and includes anaspiration flow 150 rate that increases from 20 cc/min to 45 cc/minduring the second stage, and then remains fixed at 45 cc/min for thethird stage. Maximum vacuum 152 linearly increases during stage 2between 0 and 300 mmHg, and is constant during stage 3 at 300 mm Hg, asin FIG. 2. Ultrasound power 157 increases linearly from 0% to 70% duringstage 3, the “on time” 155 is 25 ms, and the off time 156 is 100 ms,also as shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 12, the foot pedal representation 110 is initially atPosition 0, e.g., when the foot pedal is not depressed. Thus, thesurgical device is inactive, and there is no irrigation, aspiration orultrasound power. FIG. 12 shows each of the instantaneous power 132, ontime 133, off time 134, vacuum 131 and aspiration rate 130 as “0” sincethe surgical device is inactive.

As the surgeon presses down on the foot pedal, the foot pedal and thefoot pedal representation 110 move into position or stage 1, as shown inFIG. 13, during which irrigation fluid is provided to the surgical siteat 78 cm H₂O. Since there is only irrigation at this stage, theinstantaneous power 132, on time 133, off time 134, vacuum 131 andaspiration rate 130 values remain “0”.

Referring to FIG. 14, pressing the foot pedal further moves the footpedal and the foot pedal representations 110 from position or stage 1 toposition or stage 2, between boundary lines 113 and 114. During thisstage, aspiration is commenced. The vacuum limit 152 linearly increasesfrom 20 mmHg to a value not exceeding 45 mmHg, and the aspiration rate150 linearly increases from 0 cc/min to 300 cc/min. The instantaneousaspiration rate 130 reflects this and shows the aspiration rate for aparticular foot pedal position being 22 cc/min. The instantaneous vacuum131 is shown as 0 mm Hg and can range from 0 mm Hg to the maximum vacuumlevel which, in this example, is 300 mm Hg. Referring to FIG. 15, as thefoot pedal is depressed further, and the foot pedal representations 110approaches the boundary line 114, the aspiration rate 150 linearlyincreases, as reflected by the instantaneous aspiration rate 130 showing43 cc/min.

Referring to FIG. 16, the foot pedal is pressed further so that the footpedal and the representation 110 cross the boundary line 114 and enterthe third stage or position, between boundary lines 114 and 115. As thefoot pedal cross over into the third position, the aspiration rate 150and vacuum 152 are constant, and ultrasound power 157 is commenced, asreflected in the instantaneous fields 132, 133, 134, 131 and 130indicating 10% power, 25% on time, 100% off time, 0 mm Hg vacuum and anaspiration rate of 44 cc/min, respectively.

FIG. 17 illustrates the foot pedal being depressed further so that therepresentation 110, approaches the boundary line 115. The power 157linearly increases to 58%, and the on time, off time, vacuum andaspiration rate remain the same. When the foot pedal is pushed all theway down and the foot pedal representation 110 is to the far right, asshown in FIG. 18, the power 157 is maximum at 70%, and the on time, offtime, vacuum and aspiration rates remain the same.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the illustrated sequenceof steps or stages do not necessarily occur in the exact sequentialorder described. Rather, a surgeon may randomly and periodicallyalternate between pressing and releasing the foot pedal, thus switchingbetween various stages and involving different operating parameters anddifferent parameter values. Accordingly, the sequence shown in FIGS.12-18 is only to illustrate how foot pedal displacement is representedand invokes operating parameters, as displayed on the display screenrelative to foot pedal displacement.

FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment in which the initial ultrasoundpower value 153 when ultrasound power 157 is initiated is greater thanzero, and the aspiration rate 150 and the end of the first stage and theaspiration rate 150 at the beginning of the second stage are different.In this embodiment, the aspiration flow rate 150 is fixed at 45 cc/minthroughout stages 2 and 3. These control parameters allow vacuum tocontinuously increase throughout stages 2 and 3, which can be difficultto implement conventional graphical user interfaces that would otherwiserequire additional numerical values on the display screen, therebycomplicating the appearance of the screen and the ability to understandthe parameter settings, particularly during a surgical procedure.

FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment with controls for fluidicsonly. Since no ultrasound is used, there is no representation of Stage 3associated with the ultrasound.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment which shows control of an anteriorvitrectomy guillotine cutter in the upper half of the screen and controlof flow 150 and vacuum 152 in the lower part of the screen. Thesesettings allow the cutter to turn on at maximum speed of 800 cuts perminute 2100 at the beginning of the Stage 2 when flow rate 150 is set toapproximately 10 cc/min and the vacuum limit 152 is set to 40 cc/min. Asthe foot pedal is depressed further, the flow rate 150 and vacuum limit152 increase while the cutting speed 2100 remains substantiallyconstant.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that therepresentations of operating parameters can be selected and adjusted tocontrol surgical devices in various manners, with different combinationsof fixed vacuum, varying vacuum, fixed aspiration, varying aspiration,fixed off time, variable off time, fixed on time, variable on time, andpower increasing or decreasing between various levels. Accordingly,interfaces including representations of control parameters shown inFIGS. 1-21 are not intended to be limiting, as many other controlsettings can be used by making the required adjustments to the parameterrepresentations.

Further, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments canbe applied to other surgical system and other control mechanisms,besides a phacoemulsification system that uses a foot pedal.Additionally, embodiments can be applied to display and control otheroperating parameters that may be associated with a particular surgery.Moreover, although this specification has described and illustratedparameters that are fixed or constant and linear, operating parametersmay be programmed to behave according to other functions. For example,rather than linear power during stage 3, power may be controlledaccording to a logarithmic function, an exponential function, apolynomial function, and other functions. As a further example,aspiration can be controlled between different boundary lines accordingto these and other alternative functions. The representation of thecontrol parameter may also assume a shape representing the particularfunction. Alternatively, the representation can appear as a straightline, but be programmed according to another function. Accordingly,embodiments provide significant flexibility in displaying andcontrolling various operating parameters on a display screen as theneeds of a particular surgical device or procedure require.

Having described interface system and method embodiments, personsskilled in the art will recognize that the above system and method ofoperating can be modified in various ways to perform the same interfaceand control functions. Accordingly, persons of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that embodiments are not limited to the particularexemplary embodiments described, but rather, embodiments can be appliedto other surgical equipment and parameters. Although references havebeen made in the foregoing description to various embodiments, personsof ordinary skill in the art of interfaces for surgical systems andrelated systems will recognize that insubstantial modifications,alterations, and substitutions can be made to the described embodimentswithout departing from the invention as claimed in the accompanyingclaims.

What is claimed:
 1. A method of displaying and controlling operatingparameters of a surgical device that is used in a surgical procedure,the method comprising the steps of: generating a representation of aparameter related to the operation of the surgical device, therepresentation having a first end and a second end, the first endrepresenting a minimum value of the parameter and the second endrepresenting a maximum value of the parameter; displaying therepresentation of the parameter on a display screen; contacting at leastone of the first and second ends of the representation; moving thecontacted end from a first location on the display screen to a secondlocation on the display screen, the first location being different thanthe second location, thereby controlling a value of the parameter. 2.The method of claim 1, generating the representation comprisinggenerating a linear representation of the parameter, the first end ofthe linear representation being a minimum value of the parameter, thesecond end of the linear representation being a maximum value of theparameter.
 3. The method of claim 1, generating the representation ofthe parameter comprising generating a representation of a parameter thatoperates according to a linear, a logarithmic, an exponential or apolynomial function between the first and second ends.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising adjusting a minimum value of the parameterby moving the first end of the representation to a minimum value that isbetween zero and an intermediate value.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising adjusting a maximum value of the parameter by movingthe second end of the representation to a maximum value that is betweenan intermediate level that is less than the original maximum value. 6.The method of claim 1, further comprising generating a representation ofstages of the surgical procedure involving the surgical device anddisplaying the representation of the stages on the display screen. 7.The method of claim 6, generating the representation of stagescomprising generating a representation having vertical dividers, a stageof the procedure being defined between two vertical dividers.
 8. Themethod of claim 7, moving the contacted end from the first location onthe display screen to the second location on the display screencomprising moving the contacted end from a first location on a verticaldivider to a second location on the vertical divider.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising generating a representation of a controlmember for use in operating the surgical device and displaying therepresentation of the control member on the display screen.
 10. Themethod of claim 9, generating the representation of the control membercomprising generating a representation of a foot pedal.
 11. The methodof claim 9, the representation of the parameter being displayed relativeto the representation of the control member.
 12. The method of claim 1,generating the representation of the parameter comprising generating arepresentation of an operating parameter of a phacoemulsificationsurgery device.
 13. The method of claim 1, the steps of contacting andmoving further comprising touching at least one of the first and secondends of the representation of the parameter; and dragging the touchedend from the first location on the display screen to the second locationon the display screen.
 14. The method of claim 1, the steps ofcontacting and moving further comprising touching at least one of thefirst and second ends of the representation of the parameter withstylus; and dragging the stylus from the first location on the displayscreen to the second location on the display screen.
 15. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising generating a representation of one or moreadditional parameters related to the operation of the surgical device,each of the representations having a first end and a second end, thefirst end representing a minimum value of the parameter and the secondend representing a maximum value of the parameter; displaying therepresentations of the parameters on the display screen; contacting atleast one of the first and second ends of the representations; movingthe contacted end from a first location on the display screen to asecond location on the display screen, the first location beingdifferent than the second location, thereby controlling a value of theparameter.